Art, Architecture, and the Dream of Democracy Tour & Social

Join us for a Friday Night out in the heart of Philadelphia. The Art, Architecture, and the Dream of Democracy Tour explores the architecture and the art within two of Philadelphia’s most iconic buildings, PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building and Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple.

The Tour begins at PAFA’s iconic Historic Landmark Building, where stories of industrial innovation, artistic excellence, and civic engagement are all inscribed in the stone and paint of America’s first museum building. And now, the large-scale installations in Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America interact with and respond to the architecture in surprising ways. Installations by celebrated American artists explore themes of equality, free speech, and other tenets of democracy.

From PAFA, we will walk to the historic and majestic Masonic Temple, where we will continue exploring themes of democracy through the lens of Freemasonry in both the architecture and the artwork on display. The current exhibition, Embodying Masonic Values, illustrates everyday reflections of who Freemasons are and the values for which they stand, including equality for all and community service. The museum features artifacts related to democracy and Freemasonry, including Benjamin Franklin’s Masonic sash, George Washington’s Masonic apron and a replica of the Rising Sun Chair, which Washington sat in while presiding over the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

This special evening concludes with a reception in Masonic Temple’s breathtaking Foyer Under the Stars where we will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres served with Prosecco, wine, beer and soft drinks.

DATE

Friday, November 10, 2023

TIME

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

VENUE

Tour begins at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts, 118 N. Broad Street.

PRICE

$75 General Admission / $65 PAFA & AAMP Members